Publisher's Summary

Who is watching the stars, every second of every day, so we can better understand the universe?

This short story was awarded the 2nd place in the Science Fiction category, in the Athens Fantasticon 2016 competition. Inspired by the James Webb Space Telescope which will be launched and deployed in 2018. It will hopefully be as invaluable as Hubble was, opening our eyes to the cosmos.

A beautifully written and narrated vignette. First it intrigues, then it demands further thoughtful consideration.Bridget Conklin reads the earlier monologue with gentle, disconnected expression, good modulation, a slow despair. At the conclusion, the newly introduced voices are distinct and appropriate, perfectly played.Wonderful.

Cosmophobia by George Saoulidis, narrated by Bridger Conklin, is award-winning brilliance. This Science Fiction short story is inspired by the James Webb Space Telescope, which is set to launch in the Spring of 2019, a delay from its earlier date set at October of 2018. While only being a 10-minute listen, it launched an unplanned, 3-day, personal quest of discovery for me into the world of the unknown. I was so intrigued by the thought-provoking storyline that I explored every ounce of the internet, eager and excited about what I would learn next.

I first gravitated toward the story because I wanted to listen to something outside of my normal, go-to genre. Second, I wanted it to be short enough where if I didn't like it, I wouldn't be sitting hours on end waiting for it to end. I never listen to Sci-Fi...ever. I am not interested in aliens coming to Earth to fall in love with their human soulmate. This one didn't sound at all like that, so I chose it as my Sci-Fi challenge. After the first time through, I had no clue what it was even about. The last sentence gave me a little bit of an idea, but still not sure. So, that is when I starting reading up on the author and his work. I found out that this story won 2nd place in the Science Fiction category at the 2016 Athens Fantasicon Competition! Bravo! After learning a few things about cosmophobia and such, I listened again. I missed so many things the first time through that made sense to me now. I loved it! That is when my 3-day (slightly obsessive) quest of knowlegde began. :-)

The narration was excellent. I couldn't imagine anyone doing a better job than narrator Bridger Conklin. Perfect voice, volume, inflection, speed, pace....definitely did this story the justice it deserves!

Overall, I rate Cosmophobia by George Saoulidis 5/5 stars across the board! It is creative, thought-provoking, and entertaining!! I've listened to it a number of times, and it gets more and more interesting...will there be a Part 2, I wonder?! I highly recommend it to lovers of Sci-Fi, as well as anyone looking to give something new a try. I'm confident this is one you will enjoy!

Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-)

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Ray Johnson

Ohio

10/02/18

Overall

Performance

Story

"Great short story"

Cosmophobia is something that you might see on the Twilight Zone or Outer Limits, if you are old enough to remember those programs. The story has a great twist at the end, and centers on "Atlas" who only gets to look out into the stars, and may never look at the Earth he is holding. It deals with his break for freedom, and the consequences of his actions upon the discovery of his abandonment of his post. I really cant say more without giving away the ending.

The narration is good, almost mellow, and provides a haunting dispair in the mellowness. It is a good voice for the captive, and fits the tale well. This is a short story, but it is worth it for what you get out of it.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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